Concentrator



H. BOLTHOFF.

CONCENTRATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 18. ms.

Patented Jan. 13, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

H. BOLTHOFF.

CONCENTRATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 18, I918.

Patented Jan. 13, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H. BOLTHOFF.

CONCENTRATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 18. I918.

Patented Jan. 13, 1920.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

HENRY BOLTHOFF, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

concnnrnn'ron.

. menace.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented J an.13,

Application filed March 18, 1918. Serial 110,223,052.

To allv whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY BoL'rHorr, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Denver and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Concentrators; and I dodeclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use'thev same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the characters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification. t

My invention relates to improvements in concentrators, adapted for use in the treatment of pulverized ores or other materials containing values, more particularly in metallic form, for the purpose of separating these values from the gangue or refuse material with which they are found mixed in their natural state.

My improved construction consists of a table longitudinally tilted or. inclined from the head toward the foot or tail thereof, the table being subjected to a differential transverse reciprocation of such character as to carry the metallic values transversely across the table, these values being discharged at the longitudinal edge of the table toward which the values are compelled to travel under the influence of the aforesaid difieren.--

tial reciprocation, the gangue or tailings being carried downwardly lon itudinally of the table and being finally discharged at the foot or tail thereof. The material to be treated, is discharged from a box or receptacle arranged at the head of the table and extending part way across the same, while the wash water utilized in the treatment of such material is discharged from a similar receptacle or a box also arranged at the head of the table, the wash water being discharged nearer the longitudinal edge of the table toward which the concentrates are carried; By virtue of this arrangement, the wash water has an excellent opportunity to act upon the gangue and effect the final separation of the latter from the metallic values.

In my improved construction the upper surface of the table is covered with a relativelv coarse metal mesh material, as wire screen. The openings in the'screen are relatively large, their object being to form very shallow cells which the metallic values tem- I Q porarily enter as the material is Stratified on the table, and whereby 'it becomes practicable to separate these values fromthe gangue;

This, feature cooperates with the difierential, transverse, reciprocating movement imparted to the table through the medium of head motion mechanism hereinafter described. v w a 1 Having briefly outlined my improvement,

I will proceed to describe the. same in detail,

reference being ,made to the accompanying drawing, in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof. In this drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of my improved concentrator shown in connection with means for imparting proper differential movement to the table. a v

I Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section.

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 33, Fig. 2, looking toward the right M Fig. 4: is a similar section taken on the line i -4, Fig. 1 looking toward the right, butv with the parts shown on a larger scale.

Fig. 5 is'a perspective view showing the difierent parts of the head motion, these parts being shown separated for clearness of illustration. In this view the parts are. also shown on a larger scale than in the previous views. p v

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the table shown on a larger scale. f

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken on the line 7-7, Fig. 4: looking toward the right.

The same reference characters indicate the same parts in all the views.

Let the numeral 5 designate the-table of my improved concentrator considered in its entirety and consisting of a top member 6, an underneath frame work 7,;.andav wire screen member 9 which is applied to the upper surface of the table and secured thereto by suitable fastening devices, as screws 10. The top part 6 of the table may consist of any suitable material, but it must, of I course, be water proof'and of suitable wearing capacity. The

connected by transverse .partsB, Arranged tending transversely thereacross' 14 which is disposed'between the two-longitudinal a s 1 0i thens r ur l framework 7 upon whichthe top 6 is supported, as illustrated in the drawing, consists oflongitudinalbars 12,"

approximately centrally ofthe tableandex i y is a beam I To illtable and arranged underneath this beam is rigidly secured an angle-plate 15 to which is connected one end of a rod 16, the said rod passing through a perforation formed in the upper extremity of a projection 17 which is secured to the stationary substructure 18 by suitable fastening means 19. The projection 17 is rigid or non-yielding and the rod 16 slides freelv therein. This rod protrudes through the member 17 in a direction toward the concentrates discharge edge 13 of the table, and this protruding portion is surrounded by spiral spring 20 which is arranged between the part 17 and a tension nut 21 threaded on the rod. This spring is placed under tension by the movement of thetable through the instrumentality of the head motion hereinafter described, the recoil of the spring serving to impart movement to the table in the opposite direction and of such character as to give the material 'a tendency to travel across the table transversely toward the concentrates discharge edge. The downward inclination of the table from the head toward the foot in combination with the wash water serves to carry the gangue in a longitudinal direction or crosswise of the direction of the travel of the concentrates, the latter responding to the tendency or influence of the differential movement for the reason that it is heavier Or of greater specific gravity than the gangue and consequently, occupies the lowermost position on the table. Hence, the shallow wire screen cells temporarily retain the metallic values, while the differential head motion causes them to travel in the direction of the concentrates discharge edge 13 of the table.

The table is supported near its concentrates discharge edge by two relatively heavy leafsprings which are secured, as shown at 23 to the stationary R156 18 of the structure, their upper extremities loosely engaging V-shaped recesses 24 formed in depend- "ing blocks 25. The table is further supported at its oppositelongitudinal edge by spiral springs 26 which surround upright rods 27, the springs being arranged between tension nuts 28 threaded on the rods and flanges 29 perforated to receive the said rods, these flanges being parts of angle-plates 30 secured to the edge of the table adjacent the'head motion. The lower extremities of I '55 these rods engage sockets formed in bottom bearings 31.

Centrallysecured to the head motion edge "of the "table is one extremity of an arm 32, the same being fastened to one of the bars 12 '60 of the'table' by suitable fastening means as a stud bolt '33. The opposite end of the arm which extends downwardly from the table is provided with an eye 34 into which i s'fit'tetl-a pin or plug 35, having aprotrud- 6% ing extremity "36 which enters an elongated opening 37 formed in a hub 38 having a collar 39 which is secured to a companion coilar 40 formed on a bushing 41 surrounding an operating shaft 42, the bushing being keyed to the shaft, as shown at 43. When the parts of the head motion are assembled, the two collars 39 and 40 are connected by suitable fastening devices passing through perforations 44 and 45. The shaft 42 isjournaled in a bearing 46 which is di rectly engaged by the bushing,the bearing being mounted on asuitable stationary support 47. When the head motion is connected with the table, the spiral springs 26 are under tension to support the table and n1aintain the projection 36 of the pin 35 in the upper extremity of the elongated opening 37 when the latter is in the vertical position or when its major axis is vertically disposed, asindicated in F 5. The shaft 42 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5.

Now, assuming that the parts of the head motion are assembled, as shown in Fig. 4 and that the pin 36 engages the upper part 9o of the opening 37, as shown in Fig. 4, it is evident that the rotation of the shaft 42 which also rotates the hub 38, will first carry the pin 35 toward the right, referring to Fig. 4, and consequently, will. impart movement to the table in that direction.- This movement toward the right will continue until the major axis of the elongated opening 37 is horizontally or approximately horizontally disposed, in which event the table and its connections will move toward the left under the influence. of the leaf springs 22 and the spiral spring 20. Then, as the hub 38 continues its rotation, the parts will again assume the'position shown in Fig. 4, and the reciprocating action of the table in a transverse direction will be repeated. As the table moves toward the left, still referring to Fig. 4, it will be suddenly checked, as the projection 36 of'the pin 35 reaches the left hand extremity of the horizontally disposed elongated opening 37,

and this sudden checking of the movement of the table in one direction, together with its quick return movement or travel in the opposite direction, will cause the concentrates to travel transversely thereacross, the repeated reciprocations of the table resulting in discharging the concentrates over the edge 13 of the table, as heretofore explained, while the gangue is carried longitudinally of the table and down the incline from the head toward the tail thereof, through the action of the wash water, since the gangue or tailings under the stratifying influence of the tables motion will assume a position above the concentrates or metalllc values which are of greater specific gravity.

As shown in the drawing, the concentrates discharge edge of the table is simply proreceptacle. This edge of the table is also provided with an upwardly projecting member 59 having openings 60 suitably spaced, through which the concentrates pass. Again,

the gangue which is discharged atthe lower extremity or tail 49 of the table will preferably be caught in a launder (not shown.) These features are, however, details which form no part of the invention, and hence, have not been given consideration in the drawing.

As shown, see Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the power for imparting the differential movement to the table is transmitted from a motor or engine, (not shown) throughthe medium of a belt 50 which is connected with a pulley 51 fast on the operating shaft 42. In addi tionto the bearing 46, heretofore described, the shaft is, further journaled in a bearing 52 mounted on the stationary part of the frame work. The pulp to be treated, is fed into a box or receptacle 53 arranged at the head of the table and open as shown at 54, for the escape of the pulp which first en gages a plate 55 and passes therefrom to the screen covered surface of the table. Again,the necessary wash water first enters a box or receptacle 56 arranged at the head of the table and in alinement transversely with the pulp receptacle 53. This wash water passes from its receptacle 56 to a plate 55 and thence to the riffied surface of the table and acts upon the gangue or tail- .ings to carry the latter longitudinally to ward the tail or discharge end of the table,

while the differential head motion, heretofore described, causes the concentrates or metallic values to travel transversely across the table, these values being finally discharged at the concentrates discharge edge 18thereof, as heretofore outlined.

Attention is called to the fact that the table is provided adjacent its longitudinal discharge edge and adjacent the openings 60 through which the concentrates pass, with arelatively narrow, plain area 61 which is not covered with the screen 9. In other words, this area 61 is smooth or unroughened by the shallow cells formed by the interstices of the wire screen member 9. This area 61 communicates at the upper or head extremity of the table with the surface 57 to, the upper extremity of which is secured a wing nut 65 whose hub is ofsufficient size to bridge the slot 63 of the finger, or a washer may be employed for this purpose. The upper extremity of this finger or that which points to the head of the table is preferably beveled to form a relatively sharp point or edge 66. 'By loosening the wing nut, it is evident that the direction of the upper extremity of this finger point may be made tovary considerably. Hence, this point may be locatedwholly within the plain or unroughened area 61 of the table or it may lie wholly within the area covered by the wire screen 9. It is also evident that the point 66 of the finger may be made to approach the head or upper extremity of the table to a greater or less extent. This adjustment of the point 66 of the finger, both longitudinally and transversely, makes it practicable to prevent the discharge of gangue with the concentrates. The object of the plain area 61 of the table is to facilitate the discharge of the concentrates from the table through the openings 60 of the flange 59. In other words, as soon as the concentrates or heavier metallic values reach the area 61 of the table their discharge is unobstructed, as this area is plain or smooth, being free from thecells or recesses formed by the wire screen 9. If there is any tendency of the gangue toescape with the concentrates on the lower portion of the table, the finger 62 may be thrown farther toward the concentrates discharge edge and cause it to continue downwardly to the gangue or tailings discharge end of the table. If the finger were not employed there would be a tendency for some gangue on the lower part of the table to escape with the ,concen trates, andwhile the exact location where this tendency begins, varies with different ores and under different conditions, the longitudinal adjustment of thefinger has sufficient range to thoroughly protect the coni centrates from polution by the gangue. Naturally, the gangue as it travels downwardly and lengthwise of the table from the head toward the foot or tail thereof, as heretofore explained, will gradually approach in a transverse direction the concentrates discharge edge, and in theabsence of the finger, some of the gangue might be carried over with the concentrates on the transverse area where the finger is located. i

In order to prevent any concentrates from passing downwardly farther than the lowermost opening 60 for the escape of the concentrates, a block 67 is applied to the flange 59, and this block is so arranged that the 11-25 inner part of its upper extremity engages the finger 62 adjacent the bolt 64 which forms the pivot for the finger. Hence, this I block forms a stop to direct the concentrates through the lowermost opening 60'and' at the .13

same time permits the necessary adjustment of the finger, since below the pivot bolt 6%, the block is cut away, as shown at 68 to allow the portion of the finger below the bolt to swing outwardly toward the concentrates discharge edge as far as will be required under any condition.

By reason of the employment of a number of openings 60 for the discharge of the concentrates at the concentrates discharge edge of the table, I am able to discharge the heaviest values through the uppermost opening, the next liighter grade through the opening next below, and so on down, whereby a classification of the metallic values with reference to their specific gravities is effected.

Vhile I have employed relatively coarse wire screen material in connection with the table top for producing the shallow cells or recesses utilized in the Stl'ittlfiCEltlOll of the material and the separation of the metallic values from the gangue, it must be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular material for performing this function, since so long as the top of the table is provided with shallow cells or recesses of this character, it is immaterial whether the table top is provided with the wire screen material or not, as the shallow .cells may be otherwise formed, if desired,

without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. The combination in a concentrator, of a table longitudinally inclined from the head toward the tail thereof and movably mounted, the table having its top covered with coarse mesh material of a size and character to provide classifying cells, said cellu lar surface being substantially unobstructed, means for delivering the material to be treated, in the form of pulp, to the head of the table, means for delivering wash water to the head of the table, and means for im parting movement to the table of a character having tendency to cause the material thereon to travel toward one of its longitudinal edges.

2. A concentrator comprising a table longitudinally inclined from one extremity termed the head thereof, downwardly to the opposite extremity termed the tail thereof, said table having its top covered with metallic mesh material of a size and character to provide classifying cells, said cellular surface being substantially unobstructed, means for delivering the material to be treated to the head of the table, means for delivering wash water to the head of the table, and means for imparting movement to the table of a character to give the material 'a tendency to travel toward one of its longitudinaledges, the table having an up-v wardly projecting flange, at said longitudinal edge perforated to facilitate the classification and discharge of the concentrates.

3. A concentrator, comprising a table having the top covered with metallic mesh material of a size and character to provide classifying cells, said cellular surface being substantially unobstructed, a perforated flange at one of its longitudinal edges extending upwardly to facilitate the separation and discharge of the concentrates, one end ofthe table being provided with means for feeding the material to be treated thereto, also means fordelivering wash water to the table, the table being longitudinally inclined downwardly from the feed end, and means for imparting differential reciprocating movementv to, the table in a transverse direction and of such character as to give the material a tendency to travel across the table toward theinclined edge.

4. The combination in a concentrator, of a table longitudinally inclined from one end termed the head toward the opposite end termed the tail, and movably mounted,

the upper surface of thebody of the table being provided with shallow recesses.

5. A concentrator comprising a table longitudinally lnclined from one extremlty .90 means for delivering the material to be termed the head thereof, downwardly toward the opposite extremity termed the tail thereof, means for delivering the material to be treated to the head of the table, means fordelivering wash water to the table, and means for imparting to the table movement of a character to give the material a tend ency to travel toward one of its longitudinal edges termed the concentrates discharge edge, the larger area of the upper surface of the table being provided with shallow cells.

6. A concentrator comprising a table longitudinally inclined from one extremity termed the head thereof, downwardly toward the opposite extremity termed the tail thereof, means for delivering the material,

inclined from one end termed the head thereof, downwardly toward the opposite end termed the tail thereof, means for delivering the material to be treated in the form of pulp to the head of the table, means for delivering wash water to the table, and means for imparting movement to the table of a character having a tendency to cause the material to travel toward one of its lon- I gitudinal edges termed the concentrates dis charge edge, the uppersurface of the table being largely composed of shallow recesses, while a narrow area along its concentrates discharge edge is devoid of these cells.

9. A concentrating table longitudinally inclined from one end termed the head thereof downwardly toward the other end termed the tail thereof, means for imparting movement to the table of a characterto give the material a tendency to travel transversely thereacross toward one of its longitudinal edges, termed the concentrates discharge edge, means for feeding thematerial to be treated to the head of the table, and means for supplying wash water to the table, the upper surface of the table being largely composed of shallow cells, while a relatively narrow area adjacent the concentrates discharge edge is devoid of these cells.

10. A concentrating table longitudinally inclined from one end termed the head thereof downwardly toward the other end termed the tail thereof, means for imparting movement to the table of a character to give the material a tendency to travel transversely .thereacross toward one of its longitudinal edges, termed the concentrates discharge edge, means for feeding the material tobe treated to the head of the table, and means for supplying wash water to the table, the upper surface of the table being largely composed of shallow cells, while a relatively narrow area adjacent the concentrates discharge edge is devoid of these cells, the lower part of the table adjacent the line of separation between the cell covered area and the narrow area devoid of cells being provided with an ad ustable finger to facilitate the separation of the concentrates from the.

gangue. K p

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

HENRY BOLTHOFF. 

